I have been to Louis' Lunch many times over the years. The hamburgers are very good, but would be even better enhanced with condiments like ketchup and mustard. I used to bring my own condiment packs into the restaurant, but don't bother anymore. I find the attitude of the owner less than welcoming. It can also take a very long time from the ordering process to the delivery of the burger if it is crowded. The best time to go is mid-afternoon. Though I enjoy the burgers, I really do not like the dining experience there.

Scorecard

"Having read about Louis Lunch for years, I was concerned it might not live up to the hype. This incredibly juicy, beefy burger with a slice of fresh tomato and a barely caramelized onion far exceeded my expectations."
Bill Homan

"Louis Lassen III explained to us that he once tried to use a machine to make the burger patties, but it ruined their flavor and texture. Today, as in the beginning, each hamburger is hand-formed."
Michael Stern

"One cheeseburger, with Louis's works, which are onions (grilled into the burger as it cooks) and sliced tomato. Ketchup is forbidden at Louis lunch."
Michael Stern

"Bread for burgers is still toasted the old-fashioned way at Louis. Of course, there are no buns for burgers ... because hamburger buns had not yet been invented when Louis Lassen invented the hamburger."
Michael Stern

"These metal broilers are what give Louis Lunch hamburgers a succulence inside their crunchy exterior. Note how a knife is used to keep the door latched on the left broiler. That's been the technique for at least the three decades we've been eating Louis' burgers! "
Michael Stern

"The original Louis Lassen at his lunch counter some time in the 'teens. That's the SAME counter at which customers dine today."
Michael Stern

"Vintage graffiti scratched into a Louis table. Graffiti on the counter dates back almost a century!"
Michael Stern

"Freshly-painted Louis on a bright winter day. Jeff Lassen told us that the family now owns the property on which Louis sits, so no matter what sort of urban renewal happens around it, Louis is not going anywhere."
Michael Stern

"Who knew that such a small place could have such a big personality and produce some big flavors?"
Bill Homan

"While not entirely true, it does hint at the 'no ketchup' code that applies here."
Bill Homan

"Do not pass on the excellent homemade pie."
Bill Homan

"For years I have searched for a potato salad that reminds me of my Grandma's. Louis Lunch comes very, very close."
Bill Homan